Ed Hoover - Rockingham Post-race notes

ROCKINGHAM, NC - It was bound to happen sooner or later, Ed Hoover was going to have his incredible string of success snapped. The veteran Pro Modified racer from Gilbert, SC., fell in the first round of eliminations at the IHRA Holley Spring Nationals in Rockingham, NC. It marked the first time that the recent Prolong Winter Nationals champion, who pilots the Paul Trussell-owned 1963 Corvette, had been eliminated since the 1999 Northern Nationals last August.

Hoover was upbeat in what was obviously a disappointing affair.

"We can't win them all," explained Hoover. "We've been fortunate to have won what we have thus far. I'm not going to gripe and complain. I'm also not planning on making this a habit."

Hoover was the fifth quickest qualifier in the 16-car field with his trusty 1963 Corvette. He was paired against Bill Harper in the first round. Ironically, it was a rematch of the 1999 World Nationals final round. That was the same event that Pro Mod's inaugural winner snapped his first round losing streak.

Hoover was quicker off of the line, but Harper was able to drive by on the top-end.

The next event on the IHRA tour will take place June 2-4, at Grand Bend Motorplex for the Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol.